The near freezing temps in Austin mean that winter is certainly coming - which is why it's good time to start prepping your home now. Since the weather is just beginning to get chilly, it's ideal to start with the outside and then move indoors as the weather becomes colder. By checking these tasks off now, you'll be thanking yourself when you're enjoying a cozy winter without as many worries. Check out our recommended checklist below:
Exterior
Check your foundation
Look for cracks and caulk around where siding meets masonry, where pipes or wires enter the house and around windows and doors. This easy checkup can reveal issues early and prevent heat from escaping in chilly months.
Inspect exterior paint
Take a quick walk around your home and make touch-ups as needed.
Inspect your roof
Wintry weather wreaks havoc on roofs and it’s better to proactively deal with repairs than to discover a leaking roof in a rainstorm.
Clean gutters
After leaves have fallen, take time to inspect and clean your gutters. Flush them with water, inspect the joints and tighten brackets if necessary.
Weather-strip your garage door
Ensure the seal between your garage door and the ground is snug to prevent drafts and small animals from entering.
Inspect your driveway
Look for cracks and repair damage with driveway filler, then coat with a commercial sealant.
Tree maintenance
One bad storm and one tree branch later can completely wreck your investment. To avoid problems down the road, take a look at your trees and remove any branches that could be an issue for your rental property. Removing tree branches ahead of time, while a pain, can save you money and headache.
Interior
Hire an HVAC technician to service your furnace
A heating system will use fuel more efficiently, last longer and experience fewer problems if maintained properly.
Change the direction of your ceiling fan blade rotation
Blades should rotate clockwise (as you’re looking up at the fan), creating an upward draft that redistributes warm air from the ceiling. Look for a small toggle on the side of the base of the fan to make the switch.
Test smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries
It's important to test these devices regularly and change the batteries if needed.
Vacuum internal components of your air conditioner
You'd be surprised at the amount of dust and dirt collect inside your A/C unit. Cleaning out these parts helps ensure your unit works properly and you are breathing clean air.
Check for leaks around doors and windows
Apply weather stripping and caulk any air leaks.
Ensure your fireplace is in working order
Do this by checking the insert’s door gasket for a tight seal and cleaning out your chimney.
Clean your humidifier regularly during the heating season
This will be an ongoing task that you'll want to remember to do throughout the winter season.
Be sure to screenshot and save this list so you can reference it all season long.
